So at some point in the first book Severian came into possession of the powerful gem the Claw of the Conciliator. He continues his peregrinations towards Thrax, with old companions and one new one, alternately killing with his sword and healing with his gem, as he caught up in the hidden war between the ruler of the world, the Autarch, and the great rebel Vodalus.

Where the first book felt like a waking dream, this one abandons the sense of "waking" for full on fantasy. It was a bit too much for me, as Severian wanders his way through lost hypertech traps and treasure rooms, reacting on impulse rather than by any sort of plan.

I'll probably keep up with the series, but at this point I feel no real urge to.